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Views: 0 Author: Site Editor Publish Time: 2026-01-19 Origin: Site
Although both serve solar power generation, tower-type concentrated solar power (CSP) and photovoltaic (PV) power generation operate on completely different technical principles, leading to fundamental differences in their transformer technical requirements, specifications, and system roles.
Simply put: PV transformers are "partners with inverters," while tower-type CSP transformers are "partners with steam turbine generator sets."
For a clear comparison, the core differences are summarized in the table below:
Feature Dimension | Transformer for Solar Power Tower (CSP) | Transformer for Photovoltaic (PV) Power | Root Cause of Difference |
1. System Role & Position | Centralized, Generation Side: Directly connected to the steam turbo-generator set. It is the plant's sole, core main step-up unit, equivalent to a traditional thermal plant's transformer. | Distributed, Source Side: Connected to the inverter output. It aggregates and steps up power from multiple generation units (e.g., string/central inverters). A plant uses many such units. | Thermal Power Generation vs. Electronic Power Generation. |
2. Electrical Load Characteristic | Stable, Symmetrical Power-Frequency Load: Source is a synchronous generator, delivering perfect sinusoidal waves with high power factor (typically >0.9, adjustable). | Load with Significant Harmonics: Source is an inverter. Output contains high-frequency switching harmonics (e.g., PWM waves), imposing additional stress on insulation, demanding higher harmonic withstand capability. | Generator vs. Power Electronic Converter. |
3. Voltage & Capacity | High Voltage, Very Large Single-Unit Capacity: | Lower Voltage, Smaller Single-Unit Capacity: | Centralized, High-Power Point vs. Distributed, Low-Power Points. |
4. Grid Integration Requirement | Provides system inertia and short-circuit capacity, supporting grid stability. Must withstand transient grid fault impacts. | Acts as a grid follower, requiring capabilities like Low Voltage Ride-Through (LVRT). Must withstand frequent voltage and power fluctuations. | Active Grid Support vs. Passive Grid Adaptation. |
5. Transformer Type & Tech Focus | Primarily Oil-Immersed Power Transformers: | Dry-Type or Oil-Immersed Step-Up Transformers: | Industrial-Grade Heavy-Duty Equipment vs. Customized Power Electronics Interface Equipment. |
6. Operating Environment | Similar to traditional plants, usually in a dedicated building or on a fixed outdoor foundation, with a relatively controlled environment. | Fully outdoor deployment, exposed to harsh conditions (sun, wind/sand, salt fog, extreme temperatures), demanding superior protection and cooling. | Power Plant Environment vs. Field Environment. |
7. Ancillary Equipment | Requires a complete power plant electrical system: generator circuit breaker, excitation transformer, auxiliary transformer, etc. | Primarily interfaces with power electronics and distribution gear: inverters, combiner boxes, ring main units, etc. | Complete Generation System vs. Modular Generation Unit. |
Different Technology Families:
CSP Transformers fall under the category of "traditional large-scale power generation equipment." Their design, manufacturing, and testing standards align more with main transformers for thermal/hydro plants, emphasizing robustness, reliability, and efficiency.
PV Transformers belong to "specialty transformers for renewables." They are essentially an extension of the inverter, requiring optimization for inverter harmonic output, harsh outdoor environments, and frequent start-stop cycles.
Value & Market Entry:
A single CSP main transformer has very high value, is a critical plant asset, and has high technical barriers. Suppliers need strong design, manufacturing, and project reference credentials.
A single PV transformer has lower unit value, but demand volume is high, competition is fierce, placing greater emphasis on cost control, standardized production, and fast delivery.
Selection/Sales Guidance for You:
For a Solar Power Tower (CSP) Plant client, recommend high-performance, highly reliable oil-immersed power transformers with OLTC. Emphasize proven experience with large-scale generation equipment and special design capabilities (seismic, overload).
For a Large-Scale PV Plant client, recommend step-up transformers (dry-type or oil-immersed) optimized for inverter loads with high IP ratings. Highlight features like low loss, harmonic resistance, weather endurance, and cost-effective solutions tailored for PV.
Conclusion: A PV transformer cannot simply be used for a CSP project, and vice versa. Understanding the technical logic behind these two transformer types is fundamental to correct selection, product design, and marketing. As a manufacturer, clearly differentiating these two product lines will help you serve clients in these distinct market segments more precisely.
